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Occasionally water adventures require special shoes. But not all trips require the same type. Find out what water shoes to wear with which activities!

 


Water Shoes for Women


 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

When the term “water shoes” come to mind, usually it’s associated with an activity like snorkelling; however, there are many activities that call for specific water-resistant shoes while on vacation.

 

Whether you want to wade through creeks while hiking, swim in the sea with a rocky bottom to contend with, and or want to walk on the shore without worrying about getting shoes wet, this roundup of best womens water shoes is perfect for those occasions!

 

 

Best Water Shoes for Hiking

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Zappos | REI

 

KEEN Whisper Sandal

 

The KEEN Whisper sandals are probably the water shoes you’re most familiar with. It seems to be the one included in the majority of checklists online.

However, it’s not the one that’s needed for all trips. It’s best for an adventure trip through a mountain when encountering muddy trails or even rivers you’ll need to cross. Our readers voted this particular style as the best water shoe for outdoor adventures.

 

You can see the full round up of their best womens outdoor sandals here!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: AmazonNordstrom | REIZappos | MoosejawChaco

 

Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandal

 

With strong durable materials, the Chaco ZX2 sandals offer sufficient protection while letting your feet breathe in the hot weather. This may be a practical shoe for outdoor adventures but is not suggested for regular travel.

When it comes to traditional outdoor water sandals like the ones shown above, avoid trying to choose “stylish” options. Just stick to neutral colors.

 

Learn more about how active travelers can choose non-traditional women sport sandals!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | DSW | Teva | REIZappos

 

Teva Tirra Sandal

 

The Teva Tirra is a highly rated sandal to tackle water when you’re out exploring the outdoors. It has lots of traction in the outsole so even when walking on wet surfaces or creeks you can keep your footing. 

It has an EVA midsole and topsole and has multiple straps with velcro closure so you stay secure. Overall, a sturdy, supportive shoe that’s water-ready. Comes in a variety of colors so choose your style!

 

 

Best Water Shoes for Snorkeling or Swimming

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon

 

Mares 2mm Neoprene Non-Slip Rubber Sole Boot

 

If you have a trip planned with beaches, snorkeling, and other ocean activities then these Mares non-slip rubber boots are the best water shoes for your trip.

They’re very practical for traveling and are a favorite for families on vacation. They work great for rocky beaches or sand filled broken shells.

I personally use the Mares style for scuba diving because I travel with fins that require booties. I chose them because they’re compact and lightweight. I’ve found them to be extremely practical when walking onto small boats from the shore.

 

Most travelers agree that you only need three pairs of shoes for any trip. Find out how with Pack Light Stylishly!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon

 

VIFUUR Quick Dry Water Shoes

 

If needing something less like a boot, the VIFUUR water shoes have a sleeker look with wearable top-quality rubber sole which protects your feet from being hurt by sharp objects. It’s also breathable and smooth fabric with fine stretch on uppers. Feels like socks, flexible and comfortable.

 

Tip: The best way to know what type of beach to expect is to research. Ask your resort or ask a question on Tripadvisor.

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon

 

Spesoul Unisex Quick Dry Barefoot Athletic Aqua Shoes

 

If you’re really into rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, or more the Spesoul aqua shoes are non-slip, durable, and have elastic straps and a lace-up lock so they stay put and you can adjust the tightness as you see fit.

Breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight, you’ll be able to move comfortably in them and they also fold for easy storage! Comes in many colors to choose from!

 

Take a look at these scuba diving essentials for first time snorkelers!

 

 

Best Beach Water Shoes

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon

 

Reef Cushion Threads Flip-Flop

 

A great way to tackle water in style is with a pair of Reef sandals, and thisstyle looks like a regular pair of sandals but boasts the convenience of a flip flop and beach-friendly shoe. Perfect for a romantic stroll along the beach!

 

Find out what’s the best womens flip flops for travel!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | REI | Dick’s Sporting Goods

 

Olukai Water Shoes

 

The Olukai Ohana W is beloved by travelers everywhere because they go with everything, are water resistant, and comfortable enough to walk around in for long periods of time. 

Choose a fun beachy print or a classic color, they’re casual and versatile enough to wear throughout the day on any vacation—in and out of the water!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Dick’s Sporting Goods

 

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal

 

The Birkenstock Arizona sandal is both supportive and light and allows you to walk on uneven terrain with comfort. The “Essentials” line is beach-friendly because you can get these wet yet they have support due to the EVA material. They’re also cheaper than other Birkenstocks too!

Did we mention there’s no break-in period? That’s right—put them on after purchasing and their soft, supportive footbed will feel like a second skin immediately, so you can focus on enjoying your beach surroundings.

 

Take a look at these beach sandals our readers rave about!

 

 

Best Walk on Water Shoes

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Zappos

 

Native Shoes Jefferson Lightweight Waterproof Sneaker

 

Rubber shoes like these Native Shoes are versatile and could also be worn casually to sightsee in beach towns if you don’t require much support or if you’ll only be walking for short periods of time. The sneaker style shown above offers a bit more security than a flip flop.

 

Read this post for cute and comfortable walking sandals that offer arch support!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon

 

Columbia Dorado PFG Boat Shoe

 

Perhaps you’re into sailing or an outdoor adventure that involves a bit of water, the Columbia Dorado shoes are great for those activities that don’t require a neoprene shoe but still need the water-resistant coating. And plus, it’s also stain resistant.

The outsole has great traction and it’s designed with a lot of cushion and an EVA. Comes in several different colors and in half sizes.

 

Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from your dirty water shoes. Take a look at other shoe bag ideas here!  

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon

 

Aleader Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe

 

These Aleader quick drying shoes are perfect on trips where you’d be doing light hiking or zip lining outdoor adventures as it has a secure sole and will work in the mud or rivers.

These come in a variety of colors too!

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Zappos

 

Speedo Water Shoe Tidal Cruiser

 

If you want something lightweight but effective in the water, the Speedo Tidal Cruiser shoes are mesh, quick drying and have a neoprene color to easily put on and remove. 

Take this to use in bodies of water with rocky bottoms or thick monkey grass and you’ll be comfortable and secure. And it’s sleek enough to even be a short distance walking shoe.

 

 

water-shoes

Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos

 

Sea Star Beachwear Neoprene Beachcomber Espadrille Flat

 

Instead of packing trainers or a traditional water shoe plus sneakers to sightsee, you could probably get away with taking these cute Sea Star Beachwear water-friendly espadrilles

They’re made from a quick-drying neoprene (Only 15 minutes in sunlight!) so you could walk by the ocean and transition to walking the streets looking fab and not having to change shoes! 

Be forewarned though, they are available in whole sizes so if you need a half size, just go the next size up.

 

 

Best Water Shoes Women Comparison Chart

 

BRAND | MODEL FEATURES | REVIEWS RATING | PRICE
Best Water Shoes for Hiking
water-shoes KEEN Whisper Sandal Our readers voted this particular style as the best water shoe for outdoor adventures. Check Price
water-shoes Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandal With strong durable materials, the Chaco ZX2 sandals offer sufficient protection while letting your feet breathe in the hot weather. Check Price
water-shoes Teva Tirra Sandal It has lots of traction in the outsole so even when walking on wet surfaces or creeks you can keep your footing.  Check Price
Best Water Shoes for Snorkeling or Swimming
water-shoes Mares 2mm Neoprene Non-Slip Rubber Sole Boot If you have a trip planned with beaches, snorkeling, and other ocean activities then these Mares non-slip rubber boots are the best water shoes for your trip. Check Price
water-shoes VIFUUR Quick Dry Water Shoes The VIFUUR water shoes have a sleeker look with wearable top-quality rubber sole which protects your feet from being hurt by sharp objects. Check Price
water-shoes Spesoul Unisex Quick Dry Barefoot Athletic Aqua Shoes Breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight, you’ll be able to move comfortably in them and they also fold for easy storage! Check Price
Best Beach Water Shoes
water-shoes Reef Cushion Threads Flip-Flop This style looks like a regular pair of sandals but boasts the convenience of a flip flop and beach-friendly shoe. Check Price
water-shoes Olukai Water Shoes The Olukai Ohana W is beloved by travelers everywhere because they go with everything, are water resistant, and comfortable enough to walk around in for long periods of time.  Check Price
water-shoes Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal The Birkenstock Arizona sandal is both supportive and light and allows you to walk on uneven terrain with comfort. Check Price
Best Walk on Water Shoes
water-shoes Native Shoes Jefferson Lightweight Waterproof Sneaker Rubber shoes like these Native Shoes are versatile and could also be worn casually to sightsee in beach towns. Check Price
water-shoes Columbia Dorado PFG Boat Shoe The Columbia Dorado shoes are great for those activities that don’t require a neoprene shoe but still need the water-resistant coating. Check Price
water-shoes Aleader Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe These Aleader quick drying shoes are perfect on trips where you’d be doing light hiking or zip lining outdoor adventures as it has a secure sole and will work in the mud or rivers. Check Price
water-shoes Speedo Water Shoe Tidal Cruiser The Speedo Tidal Cruiser shoes are mesh, quick drying and have a neoprene color to easily put on and remove.  Check Price
water-shoes Sea Star Beachwear Neoprene Beachcomber Espadrille Flat They’re made from a quick-drying neoprene so you could walk by the ocean and transition to walking the streets looking fab!  Check Price

 

 

water-shoes

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

 

How to Pack Swim Shoes 

 

Now that you’ve picked out you water shoes; it’s time to pack them! Maybe you want to store your shoes after wearing them on the plane or choose to wear a different pair home, start by selecting a container such as a shoe bag or a packing cube, then pack according to your type of luggage. See more in the video below.

 

Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!

 

Whether you have a front loading or top loading backpack, it’s crucial to put your shoes first, at the bottom. If you’re planning to pack shoes in a rolling carry-on, remember that it stands sideways, so it’s important to note how it functions when it is upright. Most often, your shoes will need to be packed close to the wheels, so that the luggage maintains its balance in transit.

 

 


What are your favorite water shoes for women? Comment below!


 

For more ideas on travel shoes, please read:

 


 

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